The North Kings GSA extended its well registration deadline to January 30, 2026, with a $100 late fee taking effect February 1 after successful registration of over 5,800 wells. Snow water content is only about 9% of average in the southern Sierra despite recent storms, which brought rain instead of snowpack. FID is advancing infrastructure work including pipeline replacements, canal lining, and new monitoring wells during the dry period.
Groundwater levels dropped two feet year-over-year, requiring longer irrigation seasons to stabilize the aquifer, with the southwest area showing the most significant decline. The well registration program achieved major progress with over 3,000 wells registered ahead of the November 30 deadline, up from 989 in October following successful public workshops. The Kennedy-Owens pipeline project was added to this season's work to replace 420 feet of critical infrastructure at a cost of ...
FID approved 2026 budget featuring $25.1 million in assessment income with a $2.4 million increase, while maintaining zero job vacancies across all 90 budgeted positions under new state legislation. The water season concluded successfully with late-summer storms adding nearly 10,000 acre feet to projected entitlements, generating $8.2 million in total water revenues. Board members allocated most of $6.3 million in net water revenues to future capital improvements.
FID reports stable 2025 supplies with Class 1 at 100% and Kings River boosted by late storms, though storage could dip near 200,000 AF. Major dredging on the Herndon Canal and basin projects are restoring delivery and flood capacity. The revised budget shifted funds to cover higher SGMA costs, with 821 wells registered and domestic well mitigation claims pending. Big Dry Creek project costs climbed to $11.5M, and Fresno has filed suit against FID.
